Chan Chich Tours & Activities

The habitat around Chan Chich is rich in wildlife and exotic tropical birds like the keel billed toucan in the photo above. You will also see wild animals such as pumas and jaguars on night drive safari’s

Walking: Chan Chich tours includes an extensive trail system of over nine miles of well-maintained trails for hiking and exploring. Trails have directional signs and numbered signs which match the different plants and archaeological features throughout the trail system. Guests are free to explore the trails on their own or sign up for a guided walk service. Daytime walking tours of the trail system area are available at 6:00 am, 8:30 am and 3:00 pm.

Archaeological Walk: Led by one of the resident guides, guests will learn about the once thriving Mayan community known as Chan Chich aka “Little Bird”. The tour starts in the main plaza which was once a Mayan ball court. Guests will visit the Upper Plaza and get a glimpse of various looter’s trenches from within. The guides will share their vast knowledge of Mayan architecture, culture and medicine.

Birding Walk: Chan Chich is home to hundreds of resident bird species and hosts various species of migrant species. The guides spend numerous hours studying their habitats, feeding habits and calls allowing them to maximize unique sightings. This tour is sure to please beginning birders as well as seasoned veterans.

Medicinal Plant Walk: Spend sometime with the guides learning about a variety of medicinal plants which were used by the Maya and are still used today throughout the region. Learn about the healing properties of the Provision Tree, Twelve O’ Clock Plant and many others. All daytime walking tours are priced at US $12.00/hour/person.

Night Walks: As the sunsets on the tropical rain forest most creatures are settling down for the night while a host of nocturnal creatures emerge to rule the night. After dinner, grab a flashlight and join your guide for a walk around the lodge area and surrounding trails. See Spiders, Tarantulas, Tree Frogs and a various interesting critters. Go deeper into the trails for a chance at Kinkajous, Margays and Ocelots. Night walks are priced at US $14.00/person/hour + 12.5% General Sales Tax

Bird-watching: Many of the visitors to Chan Chich come specifically for this activity. The Lodge boasts an enviable variety of avifauna such as the Lovely Cotinga, Ornate Hawk Eagle and Rose Throated Tanager. A host of colorful toucans, parrots and hummingbirds also lives in this habitat. The species list is over 350. Birding tours can be done on foot in the immediate area or by vehicles which will take you to the various hot spots around the property. Maximize your species count by taking part in both walking and vehicle birding tours.

Laguna Seca: The name of this wetland habitat translate to “Dry Lake” in English. The area is often patrolled by a troop of resident spider monkeys and is known for drying up completely in years of severe dry seasons. It is a spot known for water loving species such as the Northern Jacana, Bare Throated Tiger Heron, Anhingas and many others. It is also known as a seasonal spot for Lovely Cotingas and Ornate Hawk-Eagles.

Upper Escarpment: Sitting over 900 feet above sea level it is one of the highest points on the property it is a tour that is worth the breathtaking vista alone. The high elevation and broad field of view allow bird watchers glimpses of various raptors and vultures which soar the areas thermals. Black and White Hawk-Eagles, White Hawks are common to the area.

Gallon Jug Area: Explore the open area around the Gallon Jug farm and coffee plantation for many resident and migrant species. Toucans, Red Lored Parrots, Crested Guan and many others are permanent residents. Combine this with a Gallon Jug farm tour to learn about the various agricultural projects on the property. All daytime vehicle tours are prices at US $20/hour/person + 12.5% General Sales Tax. Tours to other areas of the property are available upon request.

Canoeing: Canoeing is offered on Laguna Verde, a small natural spring-fed lake approximately four miles north of the Gallon Jug farm. Take advantage of this tranquil lake and explore the area for Morlet’s Crocodile, turtles and various bird species. It is not uncommon to spot White Lipped and White Collared Peccary when driving to the lake. Canoeing is priced is at US $15/hour/person.

Fly Fishing: Laguna Verde is populated with various species of Cichlids including the locally popular Bay Snook. Explore the lake by paddle boat in search of the big one. This is our newest offering and is a casual fishing experience. Priced at US $25/hour the trip included use of our fly rod and flies.

Horseback Riding: The lodge has a stable of beautiful horses for horseback riding around the Gallon Jug farm and nearby jungle trails. 1, 2 or 3 hour guided rides are offered along jungle trails and/or to remote Mayan sites. The sites include Punta de Cacao, hidden deep within the jungle of Gallon Jug. This is a Western style horseback riding experience suitable for guests of all ages. Horseback riding is priced at US $20/hour/person + 12.5% General Sales Tax.

Night Drives:

The night drive tour is sea safari style drive set in the back for a specially designed truck. Guides are equipped with high powered spotlights and will search for nocturnal fauna. Guests will see several nocturnal birds such as the Northern Potoo and the Spectacled Owl. These are creatures closer to the top of the food chain.The tour starts at Chan Chich and makes it’s way to the Gallon Jug farm area. Gallon Jug’s pastures, coffee plantation and surrounding forest hold a large population of White Tail Deer and Ocellated Turkeys making it one of the preferred hunting grounds of resident Pumas. While Jaguars can be spotted at all hours the night drive is considered by most to be a great chance for a sighting.

Night drive prices are US $20.00/hour/person for 2-4 guests and US $15.00/hour/person for 5 guests and up. Price does not include 12.5% General Sales Tax